Suicidal Thoughts

Tonight I was going to write about my day volunteering for the American Cancer Society’s Bicycles Battling Cancer event. I have decided to switch gears and focus on what has been front and center of media attention this week. The two suicides of fashion designer Kate Spade and celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain.May they rest in peace.

This subject is especially hard for me as mental illness has affected my life, people I love and myself.I often wonder why it is so taboo to speak about mental illness? We speak frequently about our ailments; broken bones, headaches, cancer, and even erectile disfunction. But having a conversation about perhaps the most breakable than any bone- our mental health, is not spoken about.

Today as I watched survivors, care takers, and warriors ride to raise money I started to think about the millions of people who fight for their life everyday. Those who would do anything to beat an illness that takes so many lives. Then I thought of the millions of people that feel trapped in their own mind feeling their only way is to end their suffering.I am writing this as I have been on both sides of this fence. I have been at a place when I felt like my life was not worth fighting for and I am now at a place wanting to live more than anything in this world.Every 12 minutes someone takes their own life.Every minute 12 people die from Cancer. These statistics send shivers down my spine as we all face adversity most know nothing about. They say ignorance is bliss, I say it’s ignorance that raises the statistics as most feel alone in this world with no one to talk to.

The correlation of Cancer and Suicide is not often compared but they are both adversities where you feel trapped in your own body.They are both adversities where you feel alone, and they are both adversities where you wish you could change it.My dear friends I am asking you to place your hand over your hearts…. DO YOU FEEL THAT? It’s PURPOSE.I hear you and I see you.

I am asking for a call to action. I am asking you all to make yourselves aware of the Suicide Prevention Hotline- 1-800-273-8255. suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Look around, ask the questions, reach out your hand, pick up the phone, give your heart freely.Listening is often the only thing needed to help someone.

People need to be encouraged. People need to be reminded of how wonderful they are. People need to believed in, told they are brave and smart and capable of accomplishing all the dreams they dream and more. Remind each other of this.

True – life is worth fighting for, despite how hard it can be. A simple gesture of kindness can [quite literally] save someone’s life. Listen to those around you and let them know you truly care about them.